New to this
I've been reading your posts and feel like I've come to know some of you personally. Most of what I've noticed is the strength and compassion you have. I am trying to be the best I can be at a time like this and have found some great role models.
I'm a StageIII with some lymph node involvement and a little nasty on my spine. My journey began in mid February when I realized I had a rapidly growing lump. I mean RAPID! A mammogram, 2 ultra sounds, a needle biopsy all said benign. Upon removing the lump which measured a total of 12 1/2 cm (a large tumor and a small tumor) cancer was found so then came the mastectomy. When cancer was found in the lymph nodes....well you all know what happens next. Cytoxan and Taxotere for me.
I had my first infusion 2 weeks ago tomorrow and I've discovered that one of the worst things about cancer is the waiting. Never has time gone so slowly!! I am ahead of schedule on hair loss however. It started today and I'm trying to figure out if I should get out my curling iron or if I'd just be wasting my time. I hate doing my hair!
Anyway I have a question that probably doesn't have an answer. But perhaps with enough feedback I can get an idea of what's ahead. My side effects have been unpleasant and fairly intense but no where near what I anticipated. I'm known as the side effect queen so was amazed. No nausea or vomiting!!! So, my question is; if my first infusion didn't cause me too much distress will I be fortunate enough to have similar results from the following? Does each infusion bring more intense side effects? Has anyone had fairly consistent side effects or is there no such thing?
Comments
-
Hi Lynne.
Welcome.
I'm sure you'll hear that each of us is different. My experience was that I had slightly different reactions with each infusion. I never got nauseated, but did have the yuck mouth and became very, very tired. The effects did seem to be cumulative, but it was never horrible. I lost my hair at 2 weeks after the first infusion, but kept my eyebrows and eyelashes much longer. My taste buds returned several weeks after the last infusion and my hair started coming in pretty quickly once I was done. I took time off work throughout the chemo and stayed off for about 2 weeks after.
All in all, I found that the ladies who went before me said it best, "It's very do-able" and nothing like chemo 20 years ago. Best of luck and come back often. The Boards were a tremendous source of information and comfort to me.
Chickadee0 -
Welcome!
Hi Lynne, and welcome! Sorry you had to join.
I had 4 AC and 4 Taxol and I had different reactions for each infusion like our sister above mentioned, we are all different. The good thing is that you can try and prepare for each one so that you don't have to experience what you already have again. Also, there are things you can do to help minimize your side effects, which is what I did.
These books helped me a lot.
this book explains what to eat and what to do for each side effect. they even explain what each ingredient is good for. They mentioned what not to do too! http://www.amazon.com/Cancer-Fighting-Kitchen-Nourishing-Big-Flavor-Treatment/dp/1587613441
To boost your energy, this may help you: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Juices-Natural-Vitality/dp/1844839737/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314318634&sr=1-1
I hope these help. It is important to DRINK a lot of water. It helps to clean your system.
Good luck and please keep us posted on how you're doing.
0 -
T/C
Hi Lynne, Sorry you have to be a sister here, but glad you found this site. I have found it to be a great source of info and support. I also had Taxotere and Cytoxan. Four infusions each three weeks apart. I had a little nausea, but Zofran took care of it. Felt really tired, but still worked for the most part (a few days off each infusion). My hair fell out after infusion #2(I had cut it some before that). It is true though, that we all react a little differently. I pray that you will have the easiest time possible. Get a lot of rest! I used sugar free mints for the "yuk mouth" another sister mentioned. Please continue to post/ ask questions if needed. We are here for you,
Sybil0 -
You're all so sweet inCAchick said:T/C
Hi Lynne, Sorry you have to be a sister here, but glad you found this site. I have found it to be a great source of info and support. I also had Taxotere and Cytoxan. Four infusions each three weeks apart. I had a little nausea, but Zofran took care of it. Felt really tired, but still worked for the most part (a few days off each infusion). My hair fell out after infusion #2(I had cut it some before that). It is true though, that we all react a little differently. I pray that you will have the easiest time possible. Get a lot of rest! I used sugar free mints for the "yuk mouth" another sister mentioned. Please continue to post/ ask questions if needed. We are here for you,
Sybil
You're all so sweet in welcoming me with regret. But I'm not feeling bad about this since I have found this site and I also have lots of caring Facebook friends. I'm not alone or special since so many have been exactly where I am. Just knowing I'm part of a large and strong group of women has given me strength.
I decided to curl my falling hair. Decided I'd back comb it, spray it and maybe get a couple more days. Or it'll fall off all at once right in my dinner and lay there like a dead animal. I'll keep you informed.0 -
Lynne
Welcome but sorry you had to join our club. I also had cytoxan/Taxotere 4 treatments/3 weeks apart. I finished 9 months ago. It seems to go fast once you start chemo.
For some each infusion does get more intense but for others it may just alittle. I had mausea the second chemo because I waited alittle too long before taking Emend pills for nausea. Don't wait...take it before you get nausea. I was more tired with each infusion but only lasted a few days. When I felt good appx. 5 days later I walked about 1 mile each day when I was up to it. Steriods caused me confusion and couldn't think clearly which made me emotional. It is doable as you probably read. Good luck through your treatments. Come back often for support, comfort and concerns. We are always here.
Hugs.
Annette0 -
I had 5 cycles of Cytoxan and Taxotere in 2009 and each one brought new side effects. First one brought diarrhea, second one brought fever, third one brought mouth sores as did fourth one and they all brought fatigue. But I only missed two days of work for each treatment so it is do-able and I'm one of the older gals...
Hang in there, you'll be fine. Just make sure you take all the pre-treatment meds they give you. No nausea or vomiting whatsoever for me.
Judy0 -
AC and Taxol
Lynn,
I was surprised that the side effects weren't as bad as I had anticipated. They did get worse but never as bad as I was expecting. Everyone is different so you may be lucky with the side effects.
The ACS web site has suggestions for foods to help and such. This site is a wealth of information. There is always someone that can help with what ever question you have. The best thing I could suggest is do your best to avoid getting sick. I carried hand sanitizer and avoided touching stuff outside the house while on chemo.
Good Luck!
Cindy0 -
I'm one of the "older" onesGrandmaJ said:I had 5 cycles of Cytoxan and Taxotere in 2009 and each one brought new side effects. First one brought diarrhea, second one brought fever, third one brought mouth sores as did fourth one and they all brought fatigue. But I only missed two days of work for each treatment so it is do-able and I'm one of the older gals...
Hang in there, you'll be fine. Just make sure you take all the pre-treatment meds they give you. No nausea or vomiting whatsoever for me.
Judy
I'm one of the "older" ones too. If 65 is older? I'm going to become a gr. grandma in September!
I'll be receiving a total 6 cycles of Cytoxan and Taxotere @3 week cycles. Then 3 weeks of radiation. I got all the side effects you mentioned plus horrid deep pain all within the first week after my first infusion. However....all of these were controlled one way or another. The fatigue was quite bad but a nice excuse to be a lay about. Staring at the ceiling. Not enough energy to even read.
I'm fortunate that I'm given my nausea meds as part of the treatment, all by port. The bad news is the 5 hours for all this to take place. But then again I really have no more important place to be.
Judy, I just know I'll be fine. I don't think I'd be able to go to work like you. You're a very strong lady. In fact anyone who works during chemo has my admiration.
Lynne0 -
I'm on of the "older" onesGrandmaJ said:I had 5 cycles of Cytoxan and Taxotere in 2009 and each one brought new side effects. First one brought diarrhea, second one brought fever, third one brought mouth sores as did fourth one and they all brought fatigue. But I only missed two days of work for each treatment so it is do-able and I'm one of the older gals...
Hang in there, you'll be fine. Just make sure you take all the pre-treatment meds they give you. No nausea or vomiting whatsoever for me.
Judy
I'm one of the "older" ones too. If 65 is older? I'm going to become a gr. grandma in September!
I'll be receiving a total 6 cycles of Cytoxan and Taxotere @3 week cycles. Then 3 weeks of radiation. I got all the side effects you mentioned plus horrid deep pain all within the first week after my first infusion. However....all of these were controlled one way or another. The fatigue was quite bad but a nice excuse to be a lay about. Staring at the ceiling. Not enough energy to even read.
I'm fortunate that I'm given my nausea meds as part of the treatment, all by port. The bad news is the 5 hours for all this to take place. But then again I really have no more important place to be.
Judy, I just know I'll be fine. I don't think I'd be able to go to work like you. You're a very strong lady. In fact anyone who works during chemo has my admiration.
Lynne0 -
Hi Lynn--glad you found us, butmamolady said:AC and Taxol
Lynn,
I was surprised that the side effects weren't as bad as I had anticipated. They did get worse but never as bad as I was expecting. Everyone is different so you may be lucky with the side effects.
The ACS web site has suggestions for foods to help and such. This site is a wealth of information. There is always someone that can help with what ever question you have. The best thing I could suggest is do your best to avoid getting sick. I carried hand sanitizer and avoided touching stuff outside the house while on chemo.
Good Luck!
Cindy
so sorry you're here. I was diagnosed with Stage 3C invasive ductal ca with 10+ lymph nodes in November '09. I had a lumpectomy, re-excision, 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. My first two or three chemos were pretty darned easy--had some bone pain from the Neulasta shots, generalized yucky feelings and an aversion to most foods. Also a diarrhea/contipation combo going on for 3-4 days. The last three chemos were a little more intense--same side effects, just more pronounced. My chemo nurse said the treatments were cummulative, so they would probably get more intense and they did. All in all, though, they were not nearly as bad as I imagined chemo to be--at least for me. I felt I was very lucky after reading some of the things that others went through. As you know, everyone is different and reacts differently.
Try to stay positive--you do sound like a very positive person. And remember, for every side effect you may have, your onc. will have a remedy should you need it.
Please keep us posted--we care and will be here for you.
Hugs, Renee0 -
My daughter was diagnosedmissrenee said:Hi Lynn--glad you found us, but
so sorry you're here. I was diagnosed with Stage 3C invasive ductal ca with 10+ lymph nodes in November '09. I had a lumpectomy, re-excision, 6 rounds of TAC and 33 rads. My first two or three chemos were pretty darned easy--had some bone pain from the Neulasta shots, generalized yucky feelings and an aversion to most foods. Also a diarrhea/contipation combo going on for 3-4 days. The last three chemos were a little more intense--same side effects, just more pronounced. My chemo nurse said the treatments were cummulative, so they would probably get more intense and they did. All in all, though, they were not nearly as bad as I imagined chemo to be--at least for me. I felt I was very lucky after reading some of the things that others went through. As you know, everyone is different and reacts differently.
Try to stay positive--you do sound like a very positive person. And remember, for every side effect you may have, your onc. will have a remedy should you need it.
Please keep us posted--we care and will be here for you.
Hugs, Renee
My daughter was diagnosed with malignant melanoma back in Feb of '86. It was very aggressive and she was so young, only 15 when it first hit her. Chemo has come a long way since those days. I even use the same oncologist. Naturally I was apprehensive but was told there was so much different between then and now.
I'm beginning to see somewhat of a pattern with these responses and feel like I probably have my answer. Since I had most of the typical side effects except the nausea/vomiting, I'll probably be about same only worse. But we can all handle what we expect.
Hugs,
Lynne0 -
Next question
I imagine most of you have been fitted with a port. I used a Lidocaine viscous solution for my 1st infusion which was delayed by about 2 hours. I felt the puncture! I now have EMLA which should work better, I hope. That's some rather thick skin to be poking!
Does anyone use the EMLA prior to blood work? I'm just curious if it's something I should be apprehensive about or is it as easy as a normal blood draw?
Your new Friend,
Lynne0 -
welcome Lynn
And I too am sorry to have you join our group..although you won't find a stronger group of women to be around anywhere else on the planet...I had a variety of effects from the chemo, and I have my head shaved by my wonderful daughter in law, so that I would not have to deal with clumps of it coming out at once. Still when I had handfuls of the little buggers in my hand during a shower, I balled my eyes out. Once done, it was done, but the crying was a good release for me. Chemo had it's ups and downs, and I called one week, my chemo week and didn't plan on doing anything except enjoying the recliner, the following week I came around, started to feel better, got some things done, and then by the 3rd week I was feeling great, then of course the cycle started all over again. It is do able, and somehow you get through it, best advice I can give is to accept all the help and love that everyone wants to pour on you..just let them all help...we are here and you will never feel alone as long as you come here and ask questions and share fears~what great support I found here. I have finished my chemo, radiation, and my hair has grown back in. The thing to remember with chemo is that your immune system is interupted, so stay away from germs, and any one that is ill~hang in there, it is quit a journey..but you can do it...sending you energy and strength...Sinee0 -
sprayLynne Logan said:Next question
I imagine most of you have been fitted with a port. I used a Lidocaine viscous solution for my 1st infusion which was delayed by about 2 hours. I felt the puncture! I now have EMLA which should work better, I hope. That's some rather thick skin to be poking!
Does anyone use the EMLA prior to blood work? I'm just curious if it's something I should be apprehensive about or is it as easy as a normal blood draw?
Your new Friend,
Lynne
I always liked the spray, before the injection to the port, I am not sure of the name of it..but it freezes the skin and you don't feel the prick from the needle into the port...ahhh, what a difference that was. Ask for the spray....0 -
Sinee, did you read aboutsinee said:welcome Lynn
And I too am sorry to have you join our group..although you won't find a stronger group of women to be around anywhere else on the planet...I had a variety of effects from the chemo, and I have my head shaved by my wonderful daughter in law, so that I would not have to deal with clumps of it coming out at once. Still when I had handfuls of the little buggers in my hand during a shower, I balled my eyes out. Once done, it was done, but the crying was a good release for me. Chemo had it's ups and downs, and I called one week, my chemo week and didn't plan on doing anything except enjoying the recliner, the following week I came around, started to feel better, got some things done, and then by the 3rd week I was feeling great, then of course the cycle started all over again. It is do able, and somehow you get through it, best advice I can give is to accept all the help and love that everyone wants to pour on you..just let them all help...we are here and you will never feel alone as long as you come here and ask questions and share fears~what great support I found here. I have finished my chemo, radiation, and my hair has grown back in. The thing to remember with chemo is that your immune system is interupted, so stay away from germs, and any one that is ill~hang in there, it is quit a journey..but you can do it...sending you energy and strength...Sinee
Sinee, did you read about what I did to my hair today? One of the sweet nurses at our local hospital gave me a bunch of surgical hair covers to wear while sleeping. In case my "animal" falls off. Maybe I'll keep some hair and it'll become anchored ;-}
I already feel so much better having finally posted rather than just reading. I feel like I belong already.
I wonder if they have the spray stuff at the lab? I'll use the EMLA just in case the first time.0 -
side effects
Welcome. Too bad you have to join us but we will certainly help all we can.
Each time the effects were slightly stronger but not unbearable. I compare the nausea to morning sickness. I've had a few mouth sores and even one in my nasal pasages. I still end up doing much of what I did before but just much slower.0 -
Never Had Anything for the PortLynne Logan said:Next question
I imagine most of you have been fitted with a port. I used a Lidocaine viscous solution for my 1st infusion which was delayed by about 2 hours. I felt the puncture! I now have EMLA which should work better, I hope. That's some rather thick skin to be poking!
Does anyone use the EMLA prior to blood work? I'm just curious if it's something I should be apprehensive about or is it as easy as a normal blood draw?
Your new Friend,
Lynne
I had 16 chemo infusions plus a couple of extra blood draws through my Power Port. I was surprised to see others talking about what kind of pain control they had. Maybe it's the type of port. I would feel the puncture but only for a fraction of a second. It really didn't bother me. Mary0 -
Sorry you're here but glad you found uslaughs_a_lot said:side effects
Welcome. Too bad you have to join us but we will certainly help all we can.
Each time the effects were slightly stronger but not unbearable. I compare the nausea to morning sickness. I've had a few mouth sores and even one in my nasal pasages. I still end up doing much of what I did before but just much slower.
Wow! I remember those days of apprehension. I've you've "heard" several times each person is different. I got very tired and food didn't taste right for about 3 days with each infusion but no vimiting etc. (I had 4 rounds a/c and 4 taxatere.) Things do seem to be cumulative but for me still wasn't too bad. Hair - I shaved mine off and had fun with scarvdes and wraps, and FUN EARRINGS. Whatever you need to do to feel pretty. Port - I used EMLA for infusions and blood draws alike. It's great stuff, never felt anything but a little pressure. After all, a needle stick is a needle stick.
Know that we're all here for you, whatever you need - prayers, {{{hugs}}}, answers to questions of any kind.
Welcome aboard pink sister! Just remember to fight like a GIRL!0 -
I'll fight like a girl!!!!skipper54 said:Sorry you're here but glad you found us
Wow! I remember those days of apprehension. I've you've "heard" several times each person is different. I got very tired and food didn't taste right for about 3 days with each infusion but no vimiting etc. (I had 4 rounds a/c and 4 taxatere.) Things do seem to be cumulative but for me still wasn't too bad. Hair - I shaved mine off and had fun with scarvdes and wraps, and FUN EARRINGS. Whatever you need to do to feel pretty. Port - I used EMLA for infusions and blood draws alike. It's great stuff, never felt anything but a little pressure. After all, a needle stick is a needle stick.
Know that we're all here for you, whatever you need - prayers, {{{hugs}}}, answers to questions of any kind.
Welcome aboard pink sister! Just remember to fight like a GIRL!
I'll fight like a girl!!!! Thanks Skipper.
Yesterday when the hair started falling out I wasn't too upset. Today's decision to have my head shaved was a little more difficult. It seems so drastic. My daughter, bless her heart, called our hairdresser and after my blood work and before surgeon appointment I will get my hair "undone."
Thanks for confirming the need for EMLA for blood draws. Not being a big fan of needles it does seem like the skin in the chest area is bound to be more resistant.
Since I had most all the side effects except the nausea I think I'll plan on them all being there each time. Just a bit more. I can deal with a gradual increase.
Thanks for caring. I feel so good about this group.
Lynne0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.2K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 440 Bladder Cancer
- 306 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.4K Breast Cancer
- 391 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 12.9K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.3K Kidney Cancer
- 666 Leukemia
- 789 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 235 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 53 Pancreatic Cancer
- 486 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.3K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 532 Sarcoma
- 717 Skin Cancer
- 647 Stomach Cancer
- 190 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards